D. Purpose & Concept

Purpose
This program is established to emphasize an integral part of management procedures that enhances utilization of a District's capital and personnel assets through effective loss control. Although profit is not a purpose of the District's operations, the same efficiency is desired to insure full utilization of each tax dollar available.

Concept
Hidden within the processes of any endeavor are the potential dangers not necessarily apparent to those who plan and those who do the work. The goal is to find and remove the sources of accidents and potential injuries.

Loss Control and Safety is a recognized profession that is attuned to the analysis, revelation and treatment of the hazards and human acts that surprise the unsuspecting and cause serious injuries or material losses.

Based upon continuous studies of industrial and governmental loss experience, the loss control objective is to focus attention upon correction of the negative impact to production and thereby contribute to the efficiency of an operation.

Loss Prevention
When consistently incorporated with other management efforts, loss prevention techniques have a profound effect on the reduction of personnel injuries, property damage, and work interruptions. By placing continual emphasis on the refinement of operational procedures, employee discipline, and healthful working conditions, it is possible to significantly reduce the major causes of District losses.

It is an established fact that a well-trained, well-disciplined, and well-supervised individual in a safe and healthful environment is unlikely to have an accident. The objectives of this program are focused upon this accomplishment. A low experience of losses in any organization is indicative of top quality supervision at all levels; and studies show that accidents are NOT inevitable where hazardous operations are conducted. Therefore, it is imperative that this manual be used primarily as a guide for the implementation of our safety effort.

Employee Responsibilities
Each district employee shall be fully responsible for implementing the provisions of this program as it pertains to operations under his/her jurisdiction. The responsibilities contained herein should not be construed to limit individual initiative to implement more comprehensive procedures to curb losses.

Use of Proven Techniques
Most of the job functions accomplished have work or operational processes common throughout educational institutions. In most cases, safety data has been accumulated relating to these functions. These safety techniques are practiced to assure such activities can be performed safely without undue risks to students, personnel, property, facilities, or the public.

Human behavior is the only unknown factor in many day-to-day routines, and proven to be the primary cause factor for accidents. Each individual must be continually aware that routine tasks tend to decrease normal alertness and may result in personal injury or equipment damage if complacency is permitted. Supervisors should give constant attention to this factor and frequently monitor all functions and operations to preclude "short cuttings" of proven and established safety principles.

Minimum Requirements
Provisions of this plan include generally accepted safety requirements and functional responsibilities necessary to meet desired safety standards. Stated in general terms, these are:

Adherence to all safety directives and standards.

Surveying all work areas and operations to determine potentially hazardous work elements or operational functions.

Preparation and use of proper safety procedures in all hazardous operations.

Utilizing proper personal protective equipment and clothing.

Investigating and reporting all serious accidents, injuries, and property damage.

Reporting all job-related personal injuries for consideration under the Workers' Compensation Law.

Proper pre-operational inspection, operation, and control of rolling stock, including vehicles, cranes, hoists, and forklifts.